Giving back (charity) is something near and dear to the hearts of all of us at the Beshara Team. The Real Estate business is about building relationships and a sense of community. Brenda has enjoyed years of giving back through the Rotary Club of East Cobb. It has allowed her to give back to the world through their fight to eradicate Polio but also to give back locally through local charities such as the Rally Foundation to fight Childhood Cancer and MUST Ministries to name a couple.
Giving to charity is a very personal decision that we tend to feel strongly about. All of us have had experiences that lead us to care deeply about certain causes. Maybe we have a family member with Diabetes or we care about the ethical treatment of animals. Whatever the cause giving back feels good and empowering.
This year the Beshara Team has started donating $100 to the charity our client chooses at each closing. Unexpectedly, this has opened our eyes to more issues that people are concerned with. So, I’ve been asked, “What is my favorite charity?”. Thinking about all of the issues that are important to me has been a bit emotional. There have been so many influences on my life that have led me to feel very blessed with my health, my family, and luck that I have enjoyed throughout my life. Like everyone, life has had its ups and downs. For me, the downs have had a more powerful impact on the way I feel about charity. I think that is fairly normal as most of us seem to want to help people that are down.
Just this past weekend our son and his Walton Lacrosse team played a game for the benefit of AJO4lax, a foundation formed to honor Andrew Oswald, who died in a car accident, that encourages kids to make Good Choices, Drive Safe, and play lacrosse. How many of us want kids to make good choices and drive safe? It’s all good!
Choosing a favorite is tough though. It’s hard to imagine someone that hasn’t been affected by cancer or a friend or relative in the armed forces that has been hurt or killed. Who wouldn’t want to eliminate these awful issues from our world? These are great causes that people certainly feel strongly about.
People everywhere are in need of the most fundamental things like shelter, clothes, and food. Helping people in need of these basics is a worthy contribution. These issues are tough because they are ongoing and may be the result of a larger problem that needs fixing but the need remains. Organizations such as MUST ministries are making a strong effort providing for those in need of these basic needs.
The American Red Cross provides an incredible basic service that none of us can live without. Collecting and keeping blood is a vital service that I think might be taken for granted a little as they do it so well.
My pet of choice is dogs. I read a great quote recently: “It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a part of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all of the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.” Homes seem a little happier with pets in them, whatever kind you choose. It certainly seems that all animals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Giving to organizations that help support the proper treatment of animals is a good cause that seems to have made a positive effect.
Faith-based charities are very popular and certainly fill a need. My favorite one is St Vincent de Paul Society. St Vincent de Paul is a Catholic charity that helps the poor and needy. Obviously, there are many good faith-based charities that are trying to meet the needs of people throughout the world.
One charity stands out to me right now. Maybe it’s because one of the kids supported by this foundation passed away this past week. Maybe it’s the very effective fundraiser they put on annually. I don’t know, but the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer has my heart. Everyone knows how hideous of a disease cancer is and we’ve all seen the commercials tugging on your heart for St Judes or Shriners Children’s Cancer Hospitals. Both very good causes.
The Rally Foundation is a local East Cobb charity fighting childhood cancer. They fund research and support individual local children in their fight against cancer. Each year Rally has a fundraiser that is very well attended. They have parents of Rally Kids at many tables to meet and talk with attendees about their journey. As expected, these parents are all at different points in this journey and coping with it as best as they can. Some have children that are doing well at the moment and they are on a high point of the roller coaster ride, while others are suffering deeply. Any parent can easily empathize with these suffering parents trying to be strong.
Numerous Rally Kids speak or perform a talent before this crowd. They never disappoint. They have undergone surgeries and harsh treatments that no one should have to endure and come out with poise and maturity well beyond their years. It is amazing to witness their strength and spirit not to mention real talent.
Childhood cancer touches me because they are kids. What have they ever done to hurt anyone? They are innocent and vulnerable and have their whole lives ahead of them. What have they done to deserve this? What parent deserves this? I know life is not fair but come on. Rally touches me because it is local. Grace, the freshman at Walton High, spoke at the last fundraiser. She had just found out that her cancer was back. Her treatment was so hard that she decided not to do it anymore. Can you imagine having to make a decision like this as a high school freshman? Sadly, Grace lost her battle.
While all of this is heart-wrenching, the part that makes me want to give is that the statistics show that Rally is making a difference. Rally announced another kid has beaten their blood cancer. More kids are living and treatments are improving. There are more and more success stories.
We care about our community both large and small. There is no right or wrong and we are fortunate to be in a position to give back (a little).
